Ronald "Ronny" Branch Bolton

AIKEN - Mr. Ronald "Ronny" Branch Bolton, 76, died Thursday, May 11, 2017.   Born in St. Petersburg, FL, Ronny’s family moved to North Augusta when he was 1 ½ years old. He was the son of the late H. Jack Bolton and Lillouise Branch Bolton. Except for about ten years living in Augusta, Aiken County had been his home. He graduated from North Augusta High School and received an associate degree from Augusta College and was a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Banking. He served in the U. S. Army Reserves for six years and was on active duty during the Berlin Crisis in the early 1960’s. While stationed at Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania Signal Depot, he was commander of the honor guard, performing military funerals and participating in marching parades for area cities in and around northeast Pennsylvania and Pocono Mountains. He was a former bank officer at C&S National Bank in Augusta and First Augusta State Bank from 1963 until 1976. In 1977, in Aiken, he opened his commercial real estate firm, R. B. Bolton & Associates which was merged in 2013 with Meybohm Commercial in Augusta . He was a successful broker and developer, and was a member of the City of Aiken Planning Commission for eleven years, serving as Chairman the last six years of his term. He was proud to be a citizen of Aiken and was instrumental in writing the historic design and landscaping ordinances that continue to this day. Ronny was also a past member of the SCANA Advisory Board/Western S.C., the Economic Development Partnership Board, and the University of S. C. Horseshoe Society. He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Graniteville where he had taught Sunday School and served on the Church Council. He donated and moved the Pickens-Salley house to USC Aiken, which serves as an administrative office for the school, including the Chancellor’s office. Ronny loved Aiken and resided at Kalmia Landing Retirement Community, which he co-developed in the mid 1980’s with David King, his long-time business partner. His vision was shown in many projects around the CSRA. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, who he was happily married to since 1973. Other survivors are his son Dr. Clay Bolton (Ann),of Royse City, Texas, stepson Tom Clary, five grandchildren: Fowler and Wells Bolton and Wren Clary Daniel (Robert), Nick, and Cale Clary. Brother, Bob Bolton (Cindy) of North Augusta, sisters Sue King of North Augusta and Lynda Sprowls of North Augusta, a special former daughter-in-law Melissa Wren Clary, and his constant companion, Duchess, the Westie. His two wonderful Corgis, Princess and Duchess, preceded him in death. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at St. James Lutheran Church, Graniteville.  The family will receive visitors in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. James Lutheran Church, 200 Laurel Dr., Graniteville, SC 29829.  SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC Ronny’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronald "Ronny" Branch Bolton, please visit our flower store.